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Ted Clayton
Courses Plus Student 206 PointsAny advice for a person looking for employment with a misdemeanor
If a person becomes exceptionally skilled as a programmer in any language with a misdemeanor assault over 7 years ago what are their employment prospects?
4 Answers
Steven Parker
231,271 PointsI have no idea but perhaps this would have less impact on jobs involving working remotely?
Ted Clayton
Courses Plus Student 206 PointsSteven, I wouldn't think so being quality/value of work would seem to be more important. I'm referring to physically going to a building everyday. Thank you for the reply man.
michaelcodes
5,604 PointsHi there Ted, The following is in no way legal advice,
I believe that with the crime being a misdemeanour you should be al-right. If this was a felony conviction that would be a bit different with the requirement to check that you are a felon having a much stronger impact. As long as you are presenting yourself professionally in all manners, and are able to strongly convey your knowledge of the subjects to them (including a portfolio) you should be good. This information is likely only going to come up in a background check. Since it is assault and not battery that puts you further into the clear. I wouldn't worry too much about it and if they do end up asking explain honestly the situation and how it has changed. You have 7 years of clean history to back up your story.
Once again this is not legal advice, just my own personal opinion on the subject. Take care and I wish you the best.
Ted Clayton
Courses Plus Student 206 PointsMichael,Simon and Steven thank all three of you for taking the time to respond with words of encouragement. I'm grateful and humbled you took the time to provide the help. Thank you very much for the help as I attempt to better myself.
Ted
Simon Coates
28,694 Pointsmy difficulty in commenting on legality related to both not knowing too much about laws and being an australian. Here, there is some provision in the discrimination laws about having a criminal record (though i don't know what they protect), and people i know have gotten teaching jobs a few years after being arrested (did have to jump through some legal hoops). so to my thinking, knowing your legal environment would be step one. Beyond this, there might be ways to network. A lot of people i know (not in IT, tho) get jobs through connections (cronyism, right?) and that might help with that initial hurdle (having someone familiar with your potential able to vouch for you). In terms of selling points, a uni lecturer told me that 50% of professional coders are just plain terrible. Being able to communicate being good at coding would be a decent selling point. If it's true, i'd try and make your story that. Anyhow, good luck.
Ted Clayton
Courses Plus Student 206 PointsSimon, Thank you man as that provides more hope with some sales background that can come in handy.
Simon Coates
28,694 PointsSimon Coates
28,694 Pointsno clue. My first thought was wondering if you have any obligation to mention it (wherever you're from). There's some general advice at https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Job-with-a-Criminal-Record . More detailed advice may be region specific.